Photo by Hans Mesker
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Also Known As
- Northwind Switchgrass
Plant type
grass / grass like
size
- H: 4'-6'
- W: 2'-3'
planting zones
- 4a-9b
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' plant details
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is a deciduous grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
- Plant type: grass (or grassy in appearance)
- Plant family: poaceae
- Foliage: deciduous green
- Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
GROWING CONDITIONS for Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
- USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
- Sun exposure: sun
- Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' is a tall switch grass which features one of the best vertical and compact forms available. The leaves are olive-green to bluish-green, turning yellow-beige in fall to provide good winter interest. The airy, textural flowers float above the foliage in summer. Perennial Plant of the Year 2014. A very sturdy grass with beautiful movement and audible rustling with the breeze. Spectacular in the sunny garden, as a specimen, mass planting, and in containers. Deer resistant. A Canadian native from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia.
This architecturally-upright 5-6' grass forms a clump 2-3' wide... makes a statement with its tall silhouette into winter, its golden-yellow flowers, and gold fall color; another fine selection from the tall-grass prairie. S/M-D/GDr
By: Forestfarm
Awarded the coveted 2014 plant of the year award, 'Northwind's roots can be traced back to the railroad tracks near South Elgin, Illinois, where Roy Diblik collected some native Panicum seeds. Selected from those initial seedlings for its unique unwavering stature, this dashing straight-backed cultivar unleashes a narrow sky-bound clump of broad olive-colored blades with bluish green undersides. Gossamer-textured inflorescences hover just above the leaves, hallmarked by tiny yellow flowers and purple seed heads. Unsung among ornamental grasses and the most markedly vertical of the Switch grasses, it lends intriguing winter architecture and possesses a dogged determination that triumphs over drought, heavy downpours, varied soil conditions, pesky deer and foliar rust.
Garden photo gallery of Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Gardening facts about Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' plant
How to Grow Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'
Sun Exposure
- sun
Special Situation
- verticillium wilt resistant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Wildlife
- deer resistant
Foliage Season
- deciduous
Landscape groups by tags
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Plant Type
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Zones
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Size
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Zones
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Size
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Zones
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